Tow Mirrors Vs Regular

[BostonWLS]

I am sure this will stir up opposing opinions but looking for as objective answers as possible.

I haven’t had or driven an F150 since 2016. It had the standard mirrors for that generation and the visibility was great. I test drove a 14th gen with the standard mirrors and I thought the visibility was awful. I am coming from a Ram 1500 and before that a Silverado 1500 both with the standard mirrors.

I ended up ordering a 24 with the tow mirrors. I am not a huge fan of how they look but really need the function over the form. I do tow occasionally but have always been able to get by without towing mirrors. Just not sure these ones cut it. I think ford really dropped the ball on the standard mirrors. The older size was just right. The ones on the ram are perfect in my opinion.

Does anyone who has the standard mirrors wish they had towing or the other way around? Hopefully I can get some objective thoughts. Thanks!

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[ChemGuy]

I daily drove and towed with the standard mirrors for a year. The visibility sucked IMO, the 12th gen I had towed the same trailer/loads and I never thought about switching to tow mirrors. I recently upgraded to the boost auto tow mirrors and it's night and day difference. Even if you don't tow, the visibility is significantly better.

 

[jhelrey]

There is a lot of visibility with the tow mirrors, blind spot monitor, etc.

 

[BostonWLS]

I daily drove and towed with the standard mirrors for a year. The visibility sucked IMO, the 12th gen I had towed the same trailer/loads and I never thought about switching to tow mirrors. I recently upgraded to the boost auto tow mirrors and it's night and day difference. Even if you don't tow, the visibility is significantly better.

this is exactly how I think I will feel too. Thanks for the input.

 

[pavementends]

I thought the standard mirrors were straight up dangerous. First mod (day #3 I think) was swapping to tow mirrors.

 

[BostonWLS]

I thought the standard mirrors were straight up dangerous. First mod (day #3 I think) was swapping to tow mirrors.

good to know! Definitely thinking I made the correct choice.

 

[redline]

I love my tow mirrors, visilbity is great, i have had tow style mirrors on my trucks for the last.20 years and i dont think i can go back.

the visibility is just so superior, and i love the power folding and extending. . We i pull into a tight space, just push a button and the mirrors come in…. Now that is living.

 

[FirstFord]

I custom ordered my truck, and had tow mirrors on the build sheet all along. Then, as I placed the order, at the very last minute, I pulled the tow mirrors off of the build and went with regular mirrors. I have regretted that decision many times. Later on, in an attempt to make up for my error, I bought some aftermarket auxiliary add-on mirrors. They fit great, BUT the amount of extra view they give is so minimal that they really aren't even worth it, so I hardly ever use them.

 

[sbi]

i don't tow but regret not getting the tow mirrors.

 

[dafish]

i will not own one without tow mirrors. Lotsa difference.

 

[BostonWLS]

I custom ordered my truck, and had tow mirrors on the build sheet all along. Then, as I placed the order, at the very last minute, I pulled the tow mirrors off of the build and went with regular mirrors. I have regretted that decision many times. Later on, in an attempt to make up for my error, I bought some aftermarket auxiliary add-on mirrors. They fit great, BUT the amount of extra view they give is so minimal that they really aren't even worth it, so I hardly ever use them.

I have thought of doing this a few times. I think I’ll keep them.

 

[Buyer2021]

Does anyone who has the standard mirrors wish they had towing or the other way around?

I'm on my second F150 with the OE 'elephant ear' tow mirrors (added 'em to my 2005 in 2006) with absolutely no regrets.

BLIS notwithstanding, I love that wide lower convex mirror even when not towing; IMO the functionality outweighs any aesthetic consideration (though I don't mind the 'look' at all).

'YMMV', No Worries!

 

[STM]

I have tow mirrors even though I don't tow at all.. The visibility on them is just "vast".. And for lane changing, I don't have to look back at all because the lower mirrors absolutely cover the blind spots on both sides...

They are just safer and more convenient.. I have zero regrets and can't think of not having them...

 

[Gooner5643]

Once you go tow mirrors you can’t go back. Even without towing just backing into parking spots makes it much easier. Plus regular mirrors look tiny on a crew cab 6.5’ bed. They should really come standard with max tow package idk why they don’t.

 

[jorligan]

I have both and regularly swap depending on what I am towing on my 21 Raptor. No problems with the standard mirror for daily but cannot use to tow car hauler. Only issue with the tow mirrors besides the "elephant ear look" is that they create a HUGE blind spot when turning, especially when looking for oncoming traffic from the passenger side. OEM power mirror with BLIS and lights

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